In a nutshell
- A character foil in film is a character designed to contrast with the protagonist, highlighting specific traits and decisions of the main character.
- Character foils don’t have to be antagonists.
- Interactions between character foils challenge and often change their beliefs and values.
Buzz Lightyear, Han Solo and Draco Malfoy — while these iconic characters may seem quite different, they have one major thing in common. They are all foils to their story’s main character.
Character foils might seem like a straightforward concept. By placing two characters side by side, filmmakers can explore complex themes and relationships. But what exactly is a character foil? Why use one in the first place? And what are some of the most memorable foils in popular media? We’re diving into all that and more in this article.
What is a character foil?
A foil is a character designed to contrast with the protagonist. Foils highlight specific traits and decisions of the main character. A common foil will be the story’s antagonist. However, foils aren’t necessarily always an antagonist. Instead, they are characters written to have differing qualities that make the protagonist’s attributes, motivations and growth more significant. These characters help reveal deeper aspects of the protagonist.
Take, for example, “The Dark Knight” (2008), Batman and the Joker serve as foils to each other. As Batman struggles to maintain order in Gotham while also staying true to his commitment to justice, the Joker wants to bring chaos to Gotham and toy with Batman to challenge his commitment to justice. The Joker enjoys dragging honorable people to his level, as he does with Harvey Dent. He wants to do the same to Batman. Through the trials the Joker puts Batman through, Batman’s commitment to justice is tested.
However, again, a foil doesn’t have to be an antagonist. In “Finding Nemo” (2003), Marlin and Dory perfectly foil each other. Marlin is an overprotective father who’s constantly consumed by his fears and insecurities. He must travel with Dory, who has a carefree and optimistic approach to life, to find his son, Nemo. Together, Marlin’s fearful nature is challenged. Dory’s influence helps Marlin to see the benefits of taking risks and embracing the unknown. Her character highlights Marlin’s initial limitations and pushes him towards personal growth, teaching him to balance his protective instincts with trust in Nemo’s capabilities.
Additionally, the foil might be someone who shares the hero’s circumstances but makes different choices. These contrasting choices underscore the unique traits and moral convictions of the hero. By seeing how the foil operates, viewers gain a clearer insight into what makes the hero tick. Essentially, foils are mirrors, albeit ones that reflect not who the protagonist is, but rather who they could have become under different circumstances.
What makes character foils so effective?
Emphasis
One of the main reasons character foils are so effective is their ability to emphasize the key attributes of the main characters. By placing a hero alongside a foil, the hero’s virtues and flaws are accentuated. Whether it’s the virtuous, altruistic hero challenged by a morally ambiguous foil, or the reserved, introverted protagonist paired with a lively and extroverted companion, these contrasting elements help the audience understand the characters on a deeper level.
Character arcs
Character foils in film contribute significantly to character development. As the characters interact with each other, their individual beliefs and values are tested and, oftentimes, reshaped. This interplay of conflicting traits can lead to transformative arcs for both characters, as they learn from each other and evolve throughout the story.
Plot propulsion
In addition to enhancing character dynamics, character foils also serve as narrative devices that advance the plot. The clash between two opposing forces creates tension, propelling the plot towards its climactic resolution. Foils, ultimately, can help breathe life into your film’s story.
What are some examples of foils in film?
We’ve defined character foils, but where has this device really worked? Let’s go over some prominent examples of main characters and their foils in film.
“The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
As stated previously, character foils aren’t always bitter enemies. In fact, they can be aspirational figures that push protagonists to explore unfamiliar sides of themselves. A prime example is the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada.” Here, the protagonist, Andy Sachs, is a principled journalist with a strong aversion to superficiality, while her boss and foil, Miranda Priestly, embodies the epitome of high-fashion authority. Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda is critically acclaimed — she’s icy, exacting and utterly commanding.
Despite not being clear-cut friends or adversaries, Andy and Miranda are crafted in stark contrast. Andy starts out as timorous and self-doubting. Her wardrobe is plain and understated. Miranda, on the other hand, exudes confidence and is always impeccably dressed in lavish outfits. As the story unfolds, Andy finds herself drawn to Miranda, adopting her boss’s most admirable qualities: confidence, passion and a certain calculated ruthlessness.
However, this growth takes a poignant turn in the film’s third act. Andy recognizes she’s adopted too much of Miranda’s persona, especially the traits she initially despised. Ultimately, Andy chooses to reject the harsher aspects of her mentor’s character. This decision leads to a nuanced synthesis of character development that is uniquely compelling.
“Frozen” (2013)
We can find another example of a foil in Disney’s “Frozen.” The film follows two sisters who, while having stark differences, help each other evolve while remaining true to themselves.
Elsa, the young queen, is defined by her struggle with fear. She hides her magical powers and suppresses her true identity, often depicted in cool, muted colors that represent her internal conflict. In contrast, her sister Anna embodies fearlessness and outspokenness. She’s always ready to face any challenge for the sake of love, portrayed in warm, vibrant hues that match her fiery spirit.
The beauty of their relationship lies in their contrasting personalities. Neither sister is wholly right or wrong, good or bad, but their differences create friction that builds tension and drives the narrative. This conflict compels each sister to introspect and adapt.
Can films have more than one foil?
A single film can also feature multiple pairs of foils, enriching the narrative with complex relationships. For instance, in the epic fantasy trilogy “The Lord of the Rings,” Aragorn’s noble humility contrasts with Boromir’s desperate quest for glory. Sam’s boldness offsets Frodo’s timidity. Legolas and Gimli start as rivals but grow into a deep friendship, highlighting each other’s virtues and flaws. Similarly, Gandalf’s wisdom stands in stark relief against Saruman’s descent into treachery.
These layered interactions not only highlight key traits in the characters but also act as catalysts for development, conflict and growth.
Let’s wrap it up
From enhancing character development to propelling the plot forward, character foils provide filmmakers with a dynamic tool to engage audiences and evoke a spectrum of responses. Whether through the stark differences between Batman and the Joker, the complementary natures of Marlin and Dory or the mirrored journeys of Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly, these relationships help to magnify personal growth, challenge perceptions and underline the narrative’s thematic essence.
Ultimately, character foils remind us that perspective is everything in screenwriting. They not only accentuate the protagonist’s journey but also enrich the viewer’s experience by offering multiple angles and deeper insights into the story’s moral. Through the strategic use of foils, filmmakers can craft richer, more resonant narratives that linger with audiences long after the credits roll.
